GS Warriors: Saturday pregame — Curry in, Lee out

The Warriors are taking one step forward and one step back Saturday night.

Point guard Stephen Curry will return from a two-game absence because of a sprained ankle, but power forward David Lee will miss the game against the Hornets at the New Orleans Arena with a sprained ankle of his own.

Mark Jackson said Curry will start and won’t have any limitations that the coach didn’t have during his 17-year NBA career. In other words, Curry might not have great leaping ability or explosion.

But Curry went through pregame agility drills with the Warriors’ head athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach and looked solid. When he worked out with assistant coach Kris Weems, Curry didn’t appear to be favoring his twice surgically repaired ankle on jumps or landings.

Curry sat courtside, situated between Jackson and general manager Bob Myers, after his pregame workouts. The point guard lobbied to return to the lineup and won his case.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had those types of meetings far too many times,” Jackson said. “He’s a guy who wants to play, but Bob and I think alike. We’re not going force anybody to be on the floor. We’re going to be extra cautious.”

Lee tweaked his ankle during Friday night’s loss at San Antonio, an injury that worsened as the team flew to New Orleans. By the time the team met Saturday morning, Jackson said he “realized (Lee) wasn’t in condition to play.”

Carl Landry will start in place of Lee.

“We got Carl for his ability to come off the bench, at times start and at times finish,” Jackson said. “He can score on the block, and we’re very confident in his ability to fill that position and give us a legitimate chance.”